Book Review: American Sniper

Today I will be reviewing American Sniper, an autobiography by Chris Kyle, in honor of his service.  I first heard about the movie (which I haven't seen yet, but AM DYING TO SEE) and then my mom was like, "you know there is a book right?" I was so excited to begin listening to it on audible!

A little about the book:

"From 1999 to 2009, U.S. Navy Seal Chris Kyle recorded the most career sniper kills in United States military history. His fellow American warriors, whom he protected with deadly precision from rooftops and stealth positions during the Iraq War, called him “The Legend”; meanwhile, the enemy feared him so much they named him al-Shaitan (“the devil”) and placed a bounty on his head. Kyle, who was tragically killed in 2013, writes honestly about the pain of war—including the deaths of two close SEAL teammates—and in moving first-person passages throughout, his wife, Taya, speaks openly about the strains of war on their family, as well as on Chris. Gripping and unforgettable, Kyle’s masterful account of his extraordinary battlefield experiences ranks as one of the great war memoirs of all time."

What I enjoyed:

  I enjoyed the action of course. American Sniper was a wonderful mix between real life stories, and important ideas.

Chris Kyle gives us a glimpse into the life of a true American Patriot. The struggles of balancing duty to country and duty to family, the hardships and fun of marine life...etc.

One thing that really stood out to me was when he said that it really annoyed him when people were mad at him for fighting. He explained that he DID NOT choose the war. If people had problems with the wars Chris Kyle fought in, he said to take it to the bureaucrats that sit up in their offices and choose these wars! (realize I am not saying it is correct to fight for something you do not believe I'm simply saying I agree with him that being mad at veterans does no good.)

Chris Kyle's obvious faith in God was encouraging.

Hearing about a solid marriage going through rocky times, but ultimately coming out strongly was inspirational. 

Also, I loved hearing form Chief Kyle's wife's point of view. Taya helps you to see deeper into their relationship and into what both of them were going through, as well as give insight into the meaning of the his story as a whole.

Overall, a good american read!

What I didn't like as much:
I would just like to warn everyone there is a lot of cussing. As well as the idea that getting into bar fights... etc. is all fine and dandy.

Who I'd recommend this book to:
Teens, Young Adults and Adults.

I didn't agree with everything Chris Kyle said, but overall he had a good message and I think it is important for us to hear firsthand accounts such as this!

A bit about the Author:

"SEAL Team 3 Chief Chris Kyle (1974-2013) served four combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and elsewhere. For his bravery in battle, he was awarded two Silver Stars, five Bronze Stars with Valor, two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and one Navy and Marine Corps Commendation. Additionally, he received the Grateful Nation Award, given by the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. Following his combat deployments, he became chief instructor for training Naval Special Warfare Sniper and Counter-Sniper teams, and he authored the Naval Special Warfare Sniper Doctrine, the first Navy SEAL sniper manual. A native Texan, he served as president of Craft International (www.craftintl.com), a world-class leader in training and security, while devoting much of his spare time to helping disabled veterans. Chief Kyle is survived by his wife and their two children." He was recently shot and killed by a veteran, with PTSD he was helping out.

You can also see this review on Amazon and Goodreads.